Local News

AdvancED, an accreditation agency, was in town this week to conduct a review of the Roane County school system.

“In the past we have done individual schools,” Director of Schools Gary Aytes said. “We have never done a district accreditation in which they look at the whole district together, so this is a new experience for us.”

The Roane County Beer Board didn’t turn down Roma Christopher’s application for a permit on Tuesday. The board didn’t approve it, either.

Chairman Randy Ellis said Christopher’s attorney – Mike Ritter of Oak Ridge – asked for a continuance because he was sick under a doctor’s care. That was news to Christopher, who showed up and was prepared to present her case.

With a steadily growing band and a dedicated leader, Roane County High School proudly unveiled its new band room at a concert Tuesday.

“I’m blessed to have this facility,” said band director Zack Williamson.

The $804,000, 5,000-square-feet facility was filled with those wishing to have a sneak peek at the building funded by part of the TVA funds given to the Roane County school system as reparation for the Kingston Fossil Plant ash spill in December 2008.

Keaton Swicegood, left, and Ellie Layne talk into whisperphones as they read library books to their bears on Bring Your Bear to School day at Jennifer Raymer and Elisabeth Igou’s Kingston Elementary kindergarden classroom.

This week the students are learning about the letter “B” and are incorporating the bears in all subjects.
For example Raymer explains how the students will use the bears during Math to help with counting.

The government isn’t happy that Leon Houston’s sentencing range is 10 to 16 months.

So much so that Assistant United States Attorney David Jennings is planning to present evidence to argue why Houston deserves more time.

“The calculated guidelines range of 10-16 months does not adequately reflect the criminal history of the defendant, nor his danger to the community,” Jennings said in a court filing last week. “Therefore, the United States will be seeking an upward departure from the guidelines range.”